How To Compete, But Play Nice and Still Get Ahead

The typical work environment is fiercely competitive. Those of us who are ambitious want to be recognized as the best and receive the best rewards. Conventional wisdom says to do whatever it takes within the written and unwritten office rules to keep my peer competitor from having any advantage over me. That would be the case if I did not know my purpose is to glorify God, and I am to love my neighbors (which includes my peers). So, how does one compete, but play nice and still get ahead?

My late friend Matt was one of my most respected and trusted colleagues, and we were passionate competitors. Our competition was fair and without the negative aspects. He was first to cheer for me if I did well, and the first to make sure I was ok if things did not go my way. We pushed each other to get better, and the organization reaped the benefits. We were harmonious competitors.

Traditional Competition 

Competition is essential. However, competition in the workplace is often divisive. We may dress it up as “corporately acceptable” or “politically correct”. But, traditionally, we compete using the rules of office politics. We use our power and authority to influence others for our personal agendas. 

Traditional competition is driven by a focus on self-interest, and a desire to skew the rules if necessary, to gain more wealth. 

Harmonious Competition

The concept of harmonious competition may sound like an oxymoron but is not a contradiction. It is when individuals compete in a way that is collaborative and fair. 

It is what two race car drivers would do when they “draft” each other during a race. The rear car occupies the low-pressure zone directly at the back of the front car. That reduces drag on the front car. The result is both cars experience reduced resistance, and their speeds increase. They travel faster together than if they were separate. “Iron sharpens iron” (Prov 27:17, NIV).

We should compete with our peers in a way that does not put them down but helps them. We grow faster together when we help each other.

Benefits of Harmonious Competition

1. Empowers individuals.
2. Fosters a positive culture. 
3. Creates teamwork.  
4. Causes us to please God as per the great commandment (Matt 22: 37-39).
5. Attracts success.

How to Play Nice and Get Ahead

1. Understand your purpose. You will be driven to create the right culture when you have a better understanding of your higher purpose.  

2. Have the right motivation. Your incentive should be to glorify God. 

3. Use the weapons of kindness, consideration, and understanding. Your peer is not the enemy. Refuse the political weapons of divisiveness and deception.

4. Be humble. Do not blow your own trumpet while putting others down. As a star employee, one of your most important qualities is humility. 

5. Lead from your heart. Develop soft skills such as communication, care for others, and empathy. 

6. Strengthen your emotional intelligence. Let’s face it, you can’t be naive. Not everyone will play fair. This means managing your emotions in non-collaborative situations. 

7. Be the go-to person. Execute your job with excellence and deliver exceptional results. Don’t just be an asset. Be a valuable asset by proving your worth.

8. Be available to help others. Gift your time by volunteering and coaching others. Helping your colleagues will cause them to see you more as a team player and less as a threat.

9. Foster and maintain positive relationships. This means even if you are turned down, authentically cheer for the one who succeeded.

10. Learn to accept responsibility. Apologize when needed and move on.

11. Be generous. You will be increasingly motivated to help others as you give more of your time, talents, and treasures.

12. Develop the right reputation. Become known for your commitment, excellence, care for others, and poise in challenging times.

Bonus (not really). This is foundational:

13. Pray for your peers. Harmonious competition is easier when you have love for your competition (Luke 6:27-28).

Everyone desires to be great, recognized, and rewarded for their contributions. However, as Christ-centered leaders, when we compete for recognition, it must be done via harmonious competition. In that way, we walk in our purpose to glorify God.

Empowered Leader Reflection

What one thing are you going to do to compete harmoniously in your organization?

I invite you to post a comment below.

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